Ever feel a little intimidated listening to huge podcasts with fancy studios and million-dollar deals? You’re not alone. In this episode of Pod Savvy Guide, Steph shares how to look beyond the budgets and learn real, practical lessons from one of podcasting’s biggest names Alex Cooper, host of Call Her Daddy.
Steph opens up about how hard it was, in her early podcasting days, to listen to polished shows without feeling jealous or discouraged. But she explains why paying attention to the big players can actually help us level up our own DIY podcast without needing a celebrity guest list or a million-dollar contract.
Alex Cooper’s journey is a perfect case study. Once making basement videos as a kid, she exploded onto the scene with Call Her Daddy, going from 12,000 downloads to 2 million in just two months. After landing a massive $60 million deal with Spotify and now an even bigger $125 million deal with SiriusXM Alex has become the highest-paid female podcaster and a creative powerhouse in the industry.
But beyond the jaw-dropping numbers, there’s so much podcasters can learn from Alex’s style and business moves. Steph breaks down the secrets to Alex’s success, including:
Authenticity and Relatability: Alex connects with listeners by staying true to her personality, sharing personal stories, and letting guests feel like they’re chatting with a friend rather than sitting through a formal interview.
Knowing Your Niche: She focuses squarely on her core audience even if her style or topics aren’t for everyone. That clarity has built her a fiercely loyal following.
Leveraging Social Media: Alex’s Instagram and TikTok strategy is brilliant. From teasing upcoming guests with fun clues, to creating highly shareable clips, she knows how to keep fans engaged and curious.
Strategic Partnerships: Instead of doing it all solo, Alex forged major deals with Barstool, Spotify, and SiriusXM, giving her resources to grow while maintaining creative control.
Adapting and Evolving: Her show has shifted dramatically from wild dating stories to deep celebrity interviews proving podcasters don’t have to stay stuck in one lane forever.
Steph also dives into how Alex has turned Call Her Daddy into an entire brand universe: launching the Unwell Network, signing new podcast talent, creating a hydration drink line, and even throwing live events that blend entertainment with fandom. It’s a reminder that your podcast can become more than just audio it can become an experience.
While we might not all be raking in million-dollar deals, Steph encourages listeners to explore ways to bring similar creativity and connection to their own podcasts, even at the local level. Whether it’s planning a small live show, experimenting with social media teasers, or just learning how to ask better interview questions there’s inspiration here for every podcaster.
Want to check out Alex Cooper’s world for yourself? Find her here:
Your Pod Savvy Challenge:
Go explore Alex Cooper’s platforms and look at them with an investigative eye. What’s one thing she’s doing that you could bring into your own podcast—on your scale, with your audience?
See you next Saturday for another episode of Pod Savvy Guide!
